Today’s business world is dependent on computer technology for all areas of operation, from development to finance. As a result, there is a high demand for qualified professionals with a strong background in computer science. Computer science professionals work in a wide range of specializations, including including business administration, video game development, engineering, robotics, software architecture, multimedia technology, simulations and data science. In California, there are several highly ranked and well-known universities that offer degree programs in computer science. All of the following programs offer bachelor’s degrees in computer science, with many also offering graduate-level degrees.
University of California
University of California has eight locations that offer a Bachelor and Masters in Computer Science. These locations are Berkeley, Davis, Riverside, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. Two of the programs from the University of California are reviewed below. All of the universities have earned regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.
University of California, Riverside
Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the Bourns College of Engineering
The Bourns College of Engineering hosts degree programs in bioengineering, business informatics, chemical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, materials science and engineering and mechanical engineering. It is ranked by the U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation’s top graduate schools and top engineering programs. The college has eight research centers, including the Center for Research in Intelligent Systems. The University of California, Riverside is committed to community outreach and diversity, as well as expanding global outreach in research, education and commercialization for the university.
BS, MS & PhD in Computer Science
University of California, Riverside’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers B.S., M.S. and PhD programs in Computer Science, in addition to a five-year B.S. + M.S. degree program. The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET and strives to provide students with a broad background in science and humanities, as well as providing knowledge of the principles of computing and modern technology. Students are required to take courses in english, math, physics, engineering, statistics and computer science.
UCR’s program in computer science has several important outcomes, including post-graduation success, professional visibility, career satisfaction, entrepreneurial activities and contributions to society that include public service, mentoring and leadership roles.
Contact
University of California, Riverside
351 Winston Chung Hall
Riverside, CA 92521
(951) 827-5639
Link
University of California, Santa Barbara
Department of Computer Science
The University of California, Santa Barbara is ranked by Leiden University as 2nd in the world for impact in the field of science, while the U.S. News and World Report ranked the university as the 11th top colleges in the country. The Department of Computer Science ranks in the top 10 of the nation’s PhD programs in computer science by the National Research Council. The department also hosts the world’s largest computer hacking contest.
BS in Computer Science and Five Year B.S. / M.S. in Computer Science
The University of California, Santa Barbara’s Department of Computer Science offers a series of computer science degree programs that emphasize problem solving, computer program design, analysis and implementation. The university offers a Bachelor’s in Computer Science which focuses on a hands-on problem solving approach to learning. The university also allows students to work towards a Five Year B.S. / M.S. in Computer Science, a Five Year B.S./B.A. in Creative Studies / M.S. in Computer Science and a Five Year B.S. in Computer Engineering / M.S. in Computer Science.
Contact
University of California, Santa Barbara
Computer Science Department
Harold Frank Hall, Room 2104
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5110
(805) 893-4321
benji@cs.ucsb.edu
Link
University of San Diego
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences
The University of San Diego is a private Roman Catholic university housed on 180 acres near a beautiful, pristine canyon. The 16th century Spanish Renaissance architecture is surrounded by beaches and mountains with the Mexican border just a short drive away. The Carnegie Foundation has recognized the university as a Community Engagement Institution. It is also a member of the Ashoka’s Changemaker Campus Consortium. The University of San Diego has received several accolades, including being named as an American Catholic College of Distinction, ranked as one of Kiplinger’s Best Private Colleges and listed as one of U.S. News and World Report’s Up-and-Coming Schools.
Computer Science Major
The Department of Math and Science offers majors in math and computer science, while the College of Arts and Sciences offers 30 degree programs in areas ranging from biophysics to marine biology. The University of San Diego’s major in computer science combines science, engineering and business in order to create a well-rounded degree program that provides students with a strong foundation in computer programming and data systems. Students are required to take courses in calculus and mathematical logic, in addition to a variety of computer science courses. In addition, the department recommends computer science majors pursue a minor in mathematics, engineering, physics or business administration.
The University of San Diego has listed several learning outcomes for computer science majors, including having the ability to communicate ideas and results, understanding hardware and software aspects of computer systems, applying mathematical knowledge to problems in computer science, applying important data structures and algorithms and be able to design and write accurate, clear, efficient, and well-organized computer programs.
Contact
Mathematics and Computer Science
Serra Hall 133
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4706
tmanabat@sandiego.edu
Link
University of San Francisco
Department of Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences
The University of San Francisco has a global orientation and focuses on creating a diverse learning community where students are challenged to reach high standards and promote justice and the common good in the world. There are 10,000 students, including 2,952 in the graduate school. California named the university to the list of California’s Colleges of Distinction while Washington Monthly Magazine ranked USF as one of the Top 50 Universities.
BS and MS in Computer Science
The University of San Francisco’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science emphasize software development and software engineering. Classes are hands-on and lab-oriented in nature and all students participate in the development of a large-scale software program. The average class size is under 15 students, allowing students to receive personalized attention.
The program has several objectives, including producing graduates with a foundation in programming techniques, problem solving and computer science theory, exposing students to local researchers, producing students with excellent communication skills and exposing students to a variety of modern computing environments, developmental tools and real-world applications.
Contact
University of San Francisco
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117-1080
(415) 422-5555
graduate@usfca.edu
Link
University of Southern California
Department of Computer Science at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Department of Computer Science at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering offers a wide variety of programs using the latest cutting-edge computer technology. Programs range from data systems to video game and multimedia design. The university boasts a large number of faculty and students who are National Academy Members, Nobel Laureates, National Medal Winners and Highly Cited Researchers.
BS, MS & PhD in Computer Science (CSCI)
The university’s computer science program is offered as a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program. The series of degree programs is designed to prepare individuals for careers in high performance computing and simulations, software engineering, multimedia, robotics, software architecture, game design and data science. Students will complete coursework from several disciplines in order to obtain a well-rounded education and a full knowledge of technology, mathematics, science and communication.
BS in Computer Engineering and Computer Science (CECS)
The university’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Computer Science program helps to prepare students to use scientific and engineering skills to design and implement computer systems that integrate developing hardware and software technologies. Students must complete coursework in physics, algebra, computer science and electrical engineering.
BS in Computer Science (Games)
University of Southern California’s unique Bachelor of Science in Computer Games program is designed to prepare students for careers using computer science in the field of game development. This cross-disciplinary major requires coursework in computer engineering, game development, math, science, writing, animation, digital media and technology.
BS in Computer Science and Business Administration (CSBA)
The university’s combined Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business Administration program requires 130 units of coursework in areas including computing, object-oriented design, calculus, physics, accounting, business finance and microeconomics. This program prepares students for careers using technology in the business world.
Online MS and PhD in Computer Science
University of Southern California also has an extensive variety of specializations in the Master’s in Computer Science and the PhD in Computer Science programs. Many of these programs are not available at the traditional campus. Some of these programs include specializations in computer networks, computer security, data science, game development, high-performance computing and simulation, intelligent robotics, multimedia and creative technologies, software engineering, scientists and engineers and technical professionals.
The program’s outcomes include having the ability to solve problems encountered in modern careers using mathematical and computer hardware and software skills, obtain a career in the field studied, function effectively in a diverse global economy and maintain a high level of ethical and professional standards.
Contact
Computer Science Department
University of Southern California
941 Bloom Walk
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0781
(213) 740-4494
frntdesk@cs.usc.edu
Link
University of the Pacific
School of Engineering and Computer Science
University of the Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science offers several majors, minors and graduate programs, in addition to a cooperative education program. University of the Pacific has majors in bioengineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, engineering physics and engineering management. The department is ranked six in the nation for percentage of female tenure-track faculty. Forbes Magazine ranks the university in the top 300 best colleges and Yahoo! Finance names it to the list of the Top 150 Schools That Are Worth the Investment.
Major in Computer Science
University of the Pacific offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science. The program is designed to give students a strong background in both the theory and practice of computer science. Most of the program’s students are placed in paid internships with a potential to earn approximately $18–$20 an hour. The university also offers a blended bachelor’s and master’s degree program that allows students to complete both degrees within a five year total span of time. This blended degree option saves both time and money for those interested in pursuing an advanced graduate-level degree in the field of computer sciences.
University of the Pacific’s computer science program outcomes include being able to employ design skills and technical knowledge to the development and utilization of computing systems, apply computing technology to a variety of careers, work in team environments and be ethical and contributing members of society.
Contact
University of the Pacific
School of Engineering & Computer Science
3601 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, CA 95211
209-946-2655
klibres@pacific.edu
Link
Frequently thought of as the nation’s hotspot for education in technology and innovation, California has a wealth of universities available for students interested in pursuing bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees in computer science. Most programs offer a hands-on approach in order to prepare students for careers in a quickly changing and highly technological field. Some universities even offer unique specializations, including specializations in video game design or robotics. Any of these programs can provide one with a competitive edge in the in-demand field of computer science.
Other California Schools that Offer a Computer Science Degree:
- Computer Science Degrees in California (A-C)
- Computer Science Degrees in California (D-P)
- Computer Science Degrees in California (Q-T)
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